Hokie ClubBLACKSBRUG – Virginia Tech head coach Mike Brizendine announced the hiring of assistant coach Matt Watts on Tuesday.
Watts comes to Blacksburg following eight years in charge of Nova Southeastern (DII), posting a 64-44-14 record with the Sharks. His tenure was highlighted by a Final Four run in 2021, while his program claimed its first Sunshine State Conference (SSC) title in the same year.
"After eight incredible years at Nova Southeastern University, I am grateful and excited to join the coaching staff at Virginia Tech,” Watts said. “The people and the journey at NSU have been remarkable and filled with unforgettable memories and achievements. I look forward to bringing my passion to the Hokie family and I am ready to embark on this new chapter. I want to thank Coach Brizendine and the Virginia Tech staff for welcoming me to their team. My wife, Carly, and I cannot wait to get to Blacksburg. Go Hokies!”
Having headlined the 2021 NCAA Division II South Region Staff of the Year, Watts guided Nova Southeastern to its first NCAA Tournament victories in program history during the Final Four run, which ended in penalties to the eventual national champions (Cal State).
Since 2018, Watts coached 15 All-SSC selections, including Sebastian Loibl, who earned All-American recognition during the coach’s third season in charge.
“I’m excited to welcome Matt and his wife, Carly, to Blacksburg and our Hokie family," Brizendine said of the hire. "He’s a terrific coach and great person that will help us in every aspect of our program.”
Watts’ tenure at Nova Southeastern was preceded by successful stints as the head coach at Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) and Delta State (DSU).
Upon his arrival in January 2013, Watts guided UAH to a 10-win season, a nine-game improvement from the team’s previous campaign. In his three seasons there, he accumulated a 33-17-3 overall record and a .683 winning percentage. Watts led the program to new heights, as UAH received NSCAA top-25 rankings for the first time in 18 years in both 2014 and 2015. For his success on the field, he was recognized as the Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year in 2015.
Prior to UAH, Watts spent two seasons leading DSU. In 2012, he guided the program that had never reached the GSC Tournament to the final for the first time in school history and earned GSC Coach of the Year honors.
Before taking on the head job at DSU, Watts spent two seasons as an assistant at West Florida and his alma mater, University of Mobile.
Watts had an extensive player career as an amateur, collegiate and professional. Before coming stateside, he played for Norwich City F.C. from 2002-2004. As a collegian, he spent time at SUNY-Oneonta and Lynn before he finished his career at the University of Mobile (2007-2008), where he was a two team All-GCAC, All-Region and All-American selection, along with the 2008 GCAC Player of the Year. In 2008-09, he played in the professional development league for the Panama City Pirates.
In addition to a Master’s in Health, Leisure and Exercise the University of West Florida and Bachelor’s degree in in Communication Studies, Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Mobile, Watts holds a UEFA B license, FA Level 2 certificate, NSCAA national diploma, NSCAA advanced national diploma and an NSCAA premier diploma.